This is a short story. It can be read on its own, but is also a continuation of the story of Madame de Beauséant in ‘Old Goriot’.
The deserted woman is Claire de Bourgogne, Marquise de Beauséant, long separated from her husband. In ‘Père Goriot’ she was deserted by her lover, who married a younger woman. She has retired to the country to live in the strictest seclusion. However, a young man becomes interested in her. Can they be happy together, or will history repeat itself?

I have found a lovely cover picture –David’s portait of Madame Recamier, and restored the accents and italics.